The Bulls agreed to a two-year contract with free-agent forward Joe Smith, the Sun-Times has learned.
Smith was thought to be the Bulls' No. 1 priority among the available free agents.
Smith, who was the No. 1 overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 1995 draft, averaged 9.2 points and 6.7 rebounds in 54 games last season with the Philadelphia 76ers. While the 76ers could have offered Smith more money, the Bulls likely sold him on the fact that they are a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.
The Bulls hosted Smith, a 6-10, 225-pounder, at the Berto Center on July 5.
Though terms of the deal were not known, the Bulls had the NBA's mid-level exception of $5.36 million as a maximum to offer Smith this season.
The Bulls had also considered free agents Mikki Moore of the New Jersey Nets and Chris Mihm of the Los Angeles Lakers, both of whom also visited the Berto Center the first week of July.
Smith's signing likely would mean forward P.J. Brown won't return.
I like it. Two year deal, likely not the whole MLE, but if so I can deal with it. He is a Vet and hopefully he accept Tyrus and Noah playing in front of him if both prove to be better players.
The Bulls agreed to a two-year contract with free-agent forward Joe Smith, the Sun-Times has learned.
Smith was thought to be the Bulls' No. 1 priority among the available free agents.
Smith, who was the No. 1 overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 1995 draft, averaged 9.2 points and 6.7 rebounds in 54 games last season with the Philadelphia 76ers. While the 76ers could have offered Smith more money, the Bulls likely sold him on the fact that they are a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.
The Bulls hosted Smith, a 6-10, 225-pounder, at the Berto Center on July 5.
Though terms of the deal were not known, the Bulls had the NBA's mid-level exception of $5.36 million as a maximum to offer Smith this season.
The 76ers were close to losing out on their top off-season priority last night, with free-agent forward Joe Smith close to agreeing to a two-year, $8 million deal with the Chicago Bulls, according to an Eastern Conference executive.
This is insane. Everytime I hit new posts someone signs somewhere! I love the offseason. Good signing.
Thanks. Yeah I think its a great signing for 2 years at 8 million per year.
We have 14 on the roster (by my count) assuming Barrett is not coming back. With two open spots, I would like to get Malik back for the LLE if we can. He's a guy who knows the system and won't complain about playing time (several DNPS). Not a bad guy to have deep on your bench/IL. If we can get him for that deal, I'm for it.
I assume Joe Smith is our starting PF opening night.
Last edited by theanimal23 : 07-13-2007 at 11:28 PM.
Good signing. The contract is very reasonable. (Mikki Moore just got 3 yrs 18 mil) Definitly an upgrade over PJ and should help solidify the front court when TT and Noah go through their growing pains.
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I really don't care about the development of Tyrus. He's got an entire career ahead of him. He'll contribute but he's a few years of from being a full time starter. Joe Smith will allow us to win games NOW. The Ben Wallace championship window is small and his skills are declining. We needed an impact player without mortgaging our future. This was one of the best things Paxson could do this offseason.
I like it. Two year deal, likely not the whole MLE, but if so I can deal with it. He is a Vet and hopefully he accept Tyrus and Noah playing in front of him if both prove to be better players.
Smith is the best scorer of the available FAs. Signing him for only 2 years is a bit of a coup, regardless of the price. No doubt the contract is constructed so that the dreaded luxury tax will be avoided even after signing Deng and Gordon. He'll be an expiring contract in 2008-9.
Definitely an upgrade over Malik Allen and a suitable replacement for Brown.
On paper at least the Bulls will be much stronger next year than they were last year -- particularly on the front line.
Joe Smith, Your Newest Chicago Bull (2 Years, $10 Million)
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